House committee hears bill allowing transfers to private schools

A House committee heard a bill Tuesday allowing kids from unaccredited school districts to attend non-public schools.

By Crystall Cho (Jefferson City, Mo.)

Republican Representative Scott Dieckhaus sponsors a bill proposing a 40 million dollar passport scholarship program pulled out from general revenue.

Dieckhaus told the committee to think of the money as an investment to give high quality education to all kids in the state.

"I think this provides another means, it opens another door to a different type of system. I think this money goes directly to students and families that are asking for it, that are pleading for it," Dieckhaus said.

He says anyone who contributes to the program will receive a 60 percent credit.

Opponents say it is unnecessary to use public money for private purposes. The committee chairmans says the committee will vote on the bill later today.